One way to create more grief and less productivity is to hang around the “Gossip Cooler” at your place of employment. As evidenced by the many gossip column blogs and magazines, some people have an innate interest in learning about and discussing the shortcomings of others. It seems as Earl Nightingale once said, “they seem to get a feeling of importance by putting other people down.” Another way of looking at it, “when you throw dirt, you lose ground.” Not only do you lose ground, you lose the very essence of life – your time. If you find yourself caught in this kind of office situation, make sure you have a plan to make a clean prompt exit.
If you sense that the discussion you are part of is headed towards a name bashing of fellow employees or managers, try this strategy:
Wait for a pause in the discussion when you can make a comment, then interrupt yourself, then excuse yourself from the conversation.
Your comment could sound something like this: “I wasn’t aware of that happening… Oh, I just looked at my watch and must get back to my office. See you guys later.”
By having an exit plan you can avoid much of the office politics that wastes so much of your time, and your employer’s money.
By: Tom Borg
Tom Borg is a consultant, trainer and coach. He is president of Tom Borg Consulting LLC. He works with the managers and employees of businesses and non-profits in the area of professional development and customer service training. He is the author of the book/cd “Making Service Count”. He earned his bachelors degree in administration and his masters degree in Educational Leadership at Eastern Michigan University. You can contact him at: 734-812-0526, tomborg@comcast.net or visit his website at www.tomborgconsulting.com
If you sense that the discussion you are part of is headed towards a name bashing of fellow employees or managers, try this strategy:
Wait for a pause in the discussion when you can make a comment, then interrupt yourself, then excuse yourself from the conversation.
Your comment could sound something like this: “I wasn’t aware of that happening… Oh, I just looked at my watch and must get back to my office. See you guys later.”
By having an exit plan you can avoid much of the office politics that wastes so much of your time, and your employer’s money.
By: Tom Borg
Tom Borg is a consultant, trainer and coach. He is president of Tom Borg Consulting LLC. He works with the managers and employees of businesses and non-profits in the area of professional development and customer service training. He is the author of the book/cd “Making Service Count”. He earned his bachelors degree in administration and his masters degree in Educational Leadership at Eastern Michigan University. You can contact him at: 734-812-0526, tomborg@comcast.net or visit his website at www.tomborgconsulting.com
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